Indian Bishop laments Western indifference to religious persecutions in India

Delhi, India., Dec. 11 - A bishop from the Council for World Mission-member Church of South India has lamented Western nations' silence and indifference over persecution of Christians in India.

The bishop, who asked not to be named, questioned why nations such as the UK do not "raise their voices" over the issue if they uphold freedom of religion. "It's not challenged by the leadership in the West," he said. "The real happenings in the Indian sub-continent are not highlighted - the harassing of missionaries, assault on a priest - there are many more."

These and attacks on Muslims are blamed on a rise in Hindu fundamentalism, unchecked by the government, which is led by the pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party.

A "freedom of religion" law in place in the bishop's diocese to restrict religious conversions means that evangelism has to be carried out undercover.

Trained "bible women" visit women in their homes to pray with them and teach them the bible. "Women of the community come without their husband's knowledge - Hindus and sometimes Muslims," said the bishop.